Mancini admits Man City's title defence won't be easy

The Italian guided City to their first top flight title since 1968 last season and is well aware that the club could face difficulties in trying to defend that triumph in such a cut-throat competition.

"We did a good job for the last two years and I hope we can do a better one in the next five," Mancini told City's official website.

"But we cannot rest or start thinking that because we won the title that we are the best.

"It is more difficult to win the title when you are defending champions. We start again as if from nothing, we must forget that we won the title. Every team will want to beat us and we must work harder than ever.

"I think there are four or five teams that can challenge but now, before the transfer window is closed, I think (Manchester) United and Chelsea will challenge us for the title."

About the author

Andrew Slevison is an avid sports fan, particularly of the world game. The Melbourne, Australia native, who has spent time living in London and travelling South America, takes a keen interest in the English Premier League and Major League Soccer and rates his best live footballing moment as the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil.